Methods and devices for erasing errors and compensating interference signals caused by gammagraphy in radiometric measuring systems

ABSTRACT

A method and device for the error-blanking and -compensation of interference signals caused by gammagraphy in radiometric measuring systems for process measurements. The device includes, an input for measured values Lm (t)  of a process variable L (t)  measured by the detector, an input for at least one, non-radiometrically measured and likewise monitored, first process parameter P 1 =P 1(t−τ) , whose change leads with delay by a possible delay time τk, which can also be τk=0, to a change ΔLm=Lm (tj) −Lm (tj+1)  of the radiometric, measured value Lm (t) ; an output, which is connected to a process control system, and an evaluation- and error-compensation facility, which determines during operation the change ΔLm=Lm (ti) −Lm (ti+1)  of the radiometric, measured values Lm (ti)  und Lm (ti+1)  registered by the detector at two, arbitrary per se, times t i  and t i+1  following one after the other, and, by means of the calculative relationship ΔLm=f(ΔP 1 ), compares such with a change ΔP 1 =P 1(ti−τ) −P 1(ti+1−τ)  of the first, non-radiometrically measured process parameter in the corresponding time interval.

The invention relates to methods and devices for error-blanking and error-compensation of interference signals brought-about by gammagraphy in radiometric measuring systems.

Radiometric measuring systems have served for many years as contactless measuring methods for process measurements. They are applied where process parameters, such as e.g. fill level of a medium in a container, an interface and/or a density of the medium, have to be measured under difficult conditions, such as e.g. extreme temperatures and pressures. Known radiometric measuring systems include, typically, a radioactive radiator and a detector attached at, or on, a container or pipe, as well as also including an evaluation unit. Measuring methods associated therewith are likewise known per se. Especially in the chemicals industry, radiometric measurements are indispensable for difficult processes.

On the other hand, exactly in the plants of the chemical industry, the integrity of pipes and containers and their connections is very important and, therefore, must be examined from time to time. In the context of a non-destructive, materials testing of pipelines, weld seams and pressure vessels, gammagraphy is frequently applied, in the measuring methods of which, radioactive radiators and detectors are likewise used. When such a gammagraphy measurement is performed in proximity to a radiometric measuring system, interferences with the radiometric measuring system can arise, stemming from the radioactive radiator used for the gammagraphy, so that errors are introduced into the measurements of the process variables.

In one of the methods commonly used currently, for suppressing interferences from gammagraphy, the affected radiometric measurement in the vicinity of the gammagraphy inspection is stopped, or interrupted, before the gammagraphy is begun, and the last measurement of the process variables is retained, i.e. stored, and, in effect, frozen. During the gammagraphy measurement, the measurement of the process variables is at rest in the radiometric measuring system and is not available for process control. Upon termination of the gammagraphy inspection, the radiometric measuring system is turned on again, and the measurement of the process variables resumed. The disadvantages of this method are evident: Either the process variable registered by the radiometric measuring system can no longer be measured and monitored, and that can lead to serious effects in the process control; or a gammagraphy measurement must be forsaken, thus no inspection of pipe and container walls and weld seams, when no interruption of the registering of process variables is allowable, this being especially the case for radiometric measurements of the fill level of a medium in a container, where pumps are controlled on the basis of the current fill level measurement. The other alternative, of shutting down the affected branch of the process, is likewise problematic for most plant operators.

The invention, therefore, has as an object the providing of method and device permitting radiometric measurement of a process variable in the face of possible interferences caused by concurrent gammagraphy inspection.

This object is achieved by a method for error-blanking and -compensation of interference signals originating from gammagraphy in a radiometric measuring system, wherein a process variable L_((t)) is registered by means of a radioactive radiator and a detector, which method includes the following steps:

-   -   a) while measurement is occurring, for two, arbitrary per se,         times t_(i) and t_(i+1), following one after the other and         defining a time interval, or time period, the change         ΔLm=Lm_((ti))−Lm_((ti+1)) between two radiometric, measured         values Lm_((ti)) and Lm_((ti+1)) registered by the detector at         these times is determined and, by means of a predetermined,         calculative relationship ΔLm=f(ΔP₁), compared with a change         ΔP₁=P_(1(ti−τ))−P_(1(ti+1−τ)) of a first, non-radiometrically         measured process parameter registered in the corresponding time         interval;     -   b) in case the change ΔLm=Lm_((ti))−Lm_((ti+1)) of the         radiometric, measured value Lm_((t)) corresponds to a previous         change ΔP₁=P_(1(ti−τ))−P_(1(ti+1−τ)) of the first,         non-radiometrically measured process parameter in the         corresponding time interval and to the calculative relationship         ΔLm=f(ΔP₁), than it is assumed that no interference of the         radiometric measuring system is present, wherein, from the         last-measured, radiometric, measured value Lm_((ti+1)), the         associated process variable L_((ti+1)) is determined and issued         onto a bus connected with a process control system, without an         additional signal indicating an interference;     -   c) in case the change ΔLm=Lm_((ti))−Lm_((ti+1)) of the         radiometric, measured value Lm_((t)) does not correspond to a         previous change ΔP₁=P_(1(ti−τ))−P_(1(ti+1−τ)) of the first,         non-radiometrically measured process parameter in the         corresponding time interval and to the calculative relationship         ΔLm=f(ΔP₁), than it is assumed that an interference of the         radiometric measuring system is present,         -   wherein then, based on the previous change             ΔP₁=P_(1(ti−τ))−P_(1(ti+1−τ)) of the first process parameter             P₁, a radiometric measurement Lc_((t+1)) is calculated by             means of the recorded, calculative relationship ΔLm=f(ΔP₁)             for the time t_(i+1);         -   wherein, from the calculated, radiometric measurement             Lc_((ti+1)), the associated process variable {tilde over             (L)}_((ti+1)) is determined, and is issued onto the bus             connected with the process control system, together with an             additional, interference-indicating signal; and         -   wherein, in a subsequent recording at a time t₁₊₂ of the             change ΔP₁=P_(1(ti+−τ))−P_(1(ti+2−τ)) of the first,             non-radiometrically measured process parameter and of the             measuring of the radiometric, measured value Lm_((ti+2)),             the latter is used together with the calculated radiometric             measurement Lc_((ti+1)) to determine the change             ΔLm=Lc_((ti+1))−Lm_((ti+2)) and this is referenced             corresponding to the steps d), respectively e), for             determining whether an interference of the radiometric             measuring system is still present.

In a preferred embodiment of the method of the invention, the following steps are performed before start-up of the radiometric measuring system and before commencement of the actual measuring operation:

-   -   a) For a measured value Lm_((t)) measured by the detector of the         radiometric measuring system, at least one, non-radiometrically         measured and likewise monitored, first process parameter         P₁=P_(1(t−τ)) is identified, whose change         ΔP₁=P_(1(tj−τ))−P_(1(tj+1−τ)) leads, for arbitrary times t_(j−τ)         and t_(j+1) _(−τ) , with delay by a possible delay time τ, which         can even be τ=0, to a change ΔLm=Lm_((tj))−Lm_((tj+1)) of the         radiometric, measured value Lm_((t));     -   b) from changes ΔLm of the radiometric, measured value Lm_((t))         determined at different operating and process conditions and at         different times t_(i) and resulting from changes ΔP₁ of the         non-radiometrically measured, first process parameter, a         calculative relationship ΔLm=f(ΔP₁) is formulated and stored.

In further development of the method of the invention, it is provided that, prior to issue of the signal indicating the interference of the radiometric measuring system, it is ascertained whether the change ΔLm of the radiometric, measured value is smaller than a change δ=|ΔLm_(max)| previously predetermined as maximally allowable; and that only in the case where ΔLm≧δ is the signal indicating the interference of the radiometric measurement signal issued onto the bus.

The above-stated object is additionally achieved by a device for error-blanking and -compensation of gammagraphy-caused interference signals in a radiometric measuring system with a radioactive radiator and a detector, which device includes:

-   -   an input for measured values Lm_((t)) of a process variable         L_((t)) measured by the detector,     -   an input for at least one non-radiometrically measured and         likewise monitored, first process parameter P₁=P_(1(t−τ)), whose         change leads to a change ΔLm=Lm_((tj))−Lm_((tj+1)) of the         radiometric, measured value Lm_((t)) delayed by a possible delay         time τk, which can also be τk=0;     -   an output, which is connected with a process control system, and     -   an evaluation and error compensation facility,     -   which determines during operation the change         ΔLm=Lm_((ti))−Lm_((ti+1)) of the radiometric, measured values         Lm_((ti)) und Lm_((ti+1)) registered by the detector at two,         arbitrary per se, times t_(i) and t_(i+1) following one after         the other, and, by means of the calculative relationship         ΔLm=f(ΔP₁), compares such with a change         ΔP₁=P_(1(ti−τ))−P_(1(ti+1−τ)) of the first, non-radiometrically         measured process parameter registered in the corresponding time         interval;     -   which, in case the change ΔLm=Lm_((ti))−Lm_((ti+1)) of the         radiometric, measured value Lm_((t)) corresponds to a previous         change ΔP₁=P_(1(ti−τ))−P_(1(ti+1−τ)) of the first,         non-radiometrically measured process parameter in the         corresponding time interval and to a predetermined, calculative         relationship ΔLm=f(ΔP₁), determines the associated process         variable L_((ti+1)) from the last measured radiometric, measured         value Lm_((ti+1)) and issues this variable to the output and         onto a bus connected with a process control system, without an         additional signal indicating an interference;     -   which, in case the change ΔLm=Lm_((ti))−Lm_((ti+1)) of the         radiometric, measured value Lm_((t)) does not correspond to a         previous change ΔP₁=P_(1(ti−τ))−P_(1(ti+1−τ)) of the first,         non-radiometrically measured process parameter in the         corresponding time interval and to a predetermined, calculative         relationship ΔLm=f(ΔP₁), recognizes an interference of the         radiometric system,     -   wherein then, based on the previous change         ΔP₁=P_(1(ti−τ))−P_(1(ti+1−τ)) of the first process parameter P₁,         a radiometric measurement Lc_((t+1)) is calculated based on the         recorded, calculative relationship ΔLm=f(ΔP₁) for the time         t_(i+1);     -   wherein the associated process variable {tilde over         (L)}_((ti+1)) is determined from the calculated radiometric         measurement Lc_((ti+1)) and this variable is issued, with an         additional signal indicating the interference, onto the output         and onto the bus connected with the process control system; and     -   wherein in a subsequent registering of the change         ΔP₁=P_(1(ti+1−τ))−P_(1(ti+2−τ)) of the first,         non-radiometrically measured process parameter and the measuring         of the radiometric, measured value Lm_((ti+2)) occurring at a         time t_(i+2), the change ΔLm=Lc_((ti+1))−Lm_((ti+2)) is         determined from this radiometric, measured value and the         calculated radiometric measurement Lc_((ti+1)), in order to         determine whether an interference of the radiometric measuring         system is still present.

Other preferred embodiments of the invention concern the measured value Lm_((t)) measured by the detector of the radiometric system, which measured value can be a measure for a fill level of a medium in a container, a density of such a medium in a container, or an interface of at least two phases of one or more media in a container or pipe.

Other preferred embodiments of the invention concern the first, non-radiometrically measured, process parameters, which is:

-   -   a pressure in the interior of the container or in a pipe         connected with the interior of the container,     -   a temperature in the interior of the container or in a pipe         connected with the interior of the container, or     -   a flow rate of a medium in a pipe connected with the interior of         the container.

In still other embodiments of the invention, it is provided that a plurality of process parameters P_(k) for (k=1, 2, . . . ) are monitored, whose change ΔP_(k)=P_(k(tj−τk))−P_(k(tj+1−τk)) for arbitrary times t_(j−τk) and t_(j+1−τk) and delayed by a possible delay time τk, which can also be τk=0, leads to a change ΔLm=Lm_((tj))−Lm_((tj+1)) of the radiometric, measured value Lm_((t));

-   -   wherein, on the basis of measurements for different operational         and process conditions, a calculative representation of the         dependence of the change of the radiometric, measured value         Lm_((t)) on a change of each separate process parameter, or a         plurality of the process parameters, P_(k) is formulated to         ΔLm=f(ΔP ₁ , ΔP ₂, . . . );         and wherein, during operation, it is examined by means of the         calculatively recorded relationship ΔLm=f(ΔP₁, ΔP₂, . . . ),         whether an interference of the radiometric measuring system is         present.

An advantage of the invention is that safety is not compromised in the process control, since the process variables to be measured can be monitored without interruption. Additionally, the invention offers the possibility for creating a device, with which, in the manner of a retrofit kit, older and already-installed, radiometric measuring systems can be upgraded. Such a retrofit kit is usually to be arranged between the radiometric measuring system and the process control system.

The invention will now be described and explained in greater detail with reference to different embodiments of the invention and on the basis of the accompanying drawings, whose figures show as follows:

FIG. 1: a schematic drawing of a part of a process monitored by a radiometric measuring system;

FIG. 2: a schematic drawing of a part of a process monitored by a radiometric measuring system, with a gammagraphy measuring system operating in its vicinity;

FIG. 3: a sketch of the principles of a device for evaluating and for error-blanking and -compensation according to the invention;

FIG. 4: a flow diagram of a preferred embodiment of a method for evaluating, error-blanking and -compensation according to the invention;

FIG. 5: a flow diagram of a preferred second embodiment of a method for evaluating, error-blanking and -compensation according to the invention;

FIG. 6: a schematic drawing of a conventional connecting, to a process control system, of a radiometric measuring system and other measuring devices serving for registering other process parameters; and

FIG. 7: a schematic drawing of a connecting of a radiometric fill level measuring system, and other measuring systems for registering other process parameters, to a process control system, with the interposition of a device for error-blanking and -compensation according to the invention.

For simplification and clarity, equal elements, components and parts of different embodiments of the invention are provided with equal reference characters.

FIG. 1 shows an example of a part of a conventional industrial plant for a so-called process. Placed at a container 10, which contains a medium 12 in its interior, is a radiometric measuring system 14. System 14 includes a radiator 16 and a detector 18. As shown in FIG. 1, as is usual for such installations, the radioactive radiator 16 and the detector 18 are arranged on opposite sides of the container 10. An area covered by the radiation emitted by the radioactive radiator 16 and striking the detector 18 is indicated by the dashed lines but otherwise not described here in more detail. The radiometric measuring system 14 includes, additionally, an evaluation electronics 20, in which a signal for the registered process variable L_((t)) is formed from a measured value Lm_((t)) measured by the detector 18 at an arbitrary time t_(i). The process variable L_((t)) here and as discussed further below, is preferably the fill level of the medium 12 in the container 10. In principle, however, it can be any other process variable capturable by a radiometric measuring system, for instance the density of a medium in a container or pipe, or an interface between two phases of one or more media in the container or in a pipe.

Frequently, the evaluation electronics 20 is, as shown in FIG. 1, located away from the detector 18 and connected with the same by a cable. It can, however, just as well be situated in the housing of the detector 18, or in a housing in common with such. In most cases, the evaluation electronics 20 is connected with a bus 22, over which the process variables won from the measurement signals are conducted to a process control system (not shown here). However, instead of the bus 22 shown in FIG. 1, it is also possible to use a wireless bus as the connection to the process control system or to a corresponding, central control location.

Besides the radiometric measuring system 14, the example of a process illustrated in FIG. 1 shows other measuring devices, with which non-radiometrically registered process parameters can be determined, which have an influence on the measured value Lm_((t)), or which are influenced thereby. In short, changes of the process parameters are an indication of possible changes of the process variables.

In, or on, as the case may be, a first pipeline 24, which opens into the container 10 and serves for filling with the medium 12, a flow rate measuring device 26 is installed, with which a flow rate through the pipeline 24 can be registered as a first process parameter P₁=P_(1(t)) of the medium 12. As a result of the medium 12 flowing through the first pipeline 24 into the container 10, the measured value Lm_((t)) of the process variable, fill level L_((t)), changes in the container 10, to the extent that an equal volume of the medium is not flowing out in the same period of time.

Serving for monitoring the pressure in the vapor or gas layer above medium 12 in the container 10 is a pressure measuring device 28, which is placed in or on a second pipeline 30, which opens from above into the interior into the interior of the container 10. With the pressure measuring device, the pressure in the container 10 in the vapor or gas layer above the medium in container 10 is registered as the second process parameter P₂=P_(2(t)). Changes of the pressure can indicate changes of the fill level L_((t)) of the medium in the container 10. The particular illustration of the pressure measuring device 28 in FIG. 1 in, or on, as the case may be, the second pipeline 30 is not obligatory and does not represent a limitation of the invention. Those skilled in the art know that the pressure measuring device 28 can also be placed in the container 10 in the area of its lid.

Arranged in a third pipeline 32, which opens into the floor, or sump, as the case may be, of the container 10, is a valve 34, with the help of which the outflow of the medium 12 out of the container 10 can be controlled. The position of the valve 34, or, more accurately, its actual degree of opening, is registered as a third process parameters P₃=P_(3(t)).

Changes of this third process parameter P₃, which indicate an opening or closing of the valve 34 and, therewith, increased, or lessened, or even no, outflow of the medium 12 out of the container 10, lead to a change of the fill level L_((t)) of the medium in the container 10, in so far as no corresponding inflow of the medium 12 occurs. The inflow is, as above-described, monitored with the flowrate measuring device 26 by way of the change of the first process parameters P₁.

Summarizing, it is evident that changes of one or more process parameters P₁, P₂, P₃ indicate a change of the radiometrically registered, measured value Lm_((t)) of the fill level L_((t)). A relationship between the changes of the process parameters P₁, P₂, P₃ and a change of the radiometrically registered measured value Lm_((t)) is recorded, according to the invention, preferably for different operating and process conditions and at different times t_(i) und t_(i+1), one following the other, before the actual, regular start-up of a particular plant, or borrowed as a function known from a comparable plant and, if need be, adapted for the present one.

The functional relationship is determined as changes ΔLm of the radiometric, measured value Lm_((t)) due to changes of the process parameters ΔP₁, ΔP₂, ΔP₃, with a calculative relationship ΔLm=f(ΔP₁,ΔP₂, ΔP₃) being formulated and stored. In so far as a change of one or more process parameters P₁, P₂ or P₃ leads with delay by a possible delay time τ, which can also be τ=0, to a change ΔLm=Lm_((tj))−Lm_((tj+1)) of the radiometric, measured value Lm_((t)), this is taken into consideration when determining the calculative relationship ΔLm=Lm_(tj) −Lm_(tj+1)=f(ΔP₁,ΔP₂, ΔP₃) with ΔP₁=P_(1(tj−τ))−P_(1(tj+1−τ)), ΔP₂=P_(2(tj−τ)−P) _(2(tj+1−τ)) and ΔP₃=P_(3(tj−τ))−P_(3(tj+1−τ)). This calculative relationship ΔLm=Lm_(tj)−Lm_(tj+1)=f(ΔP₁, ΔP₂, ΔP₃) is preferably stored in a memory of the evaluation electronics 20 or in a memory attached thereto and is available there for the error-blanking and -compensation of evoked interference signals.

Three process parameters have been chosen for the example of an embodiment shown in FIG. 1 and described here. It is, however, clear for one skilled in the art, that it could, in other plants and under other circumstances, be more process parameters, or less, whose changes lead to changes of the process variables and which are to be monitored and processed according to the invention.

FIG. 1 also indicates connecting lines from the flowrate measuring device 26 and the pressure measuring device 28 to the bus 22. The process parameters measured by the flow rate measuring device 26 and by the pressure measuring device 28 are also fed to the evaluation electronics 20 of the radiometric measuring system 14 for further evaluation and processing.

FIG. 2 shows schematically and in simplified manner the container 10 and the radiometric measuring system 14 for determining fill level of the medium 12, together with a gammagraphy measuring system 36, which is being used in the vicinity, in the area of a neighboring pipe bend 38 for its examination. Radioactive radiation emitted there from a radiator 40 and directed onto the tube bend 38 is likewise received by the detector 18 of the radiometric measuring system 14 and interferes with, or corrupts, the measurement signals serving for determining the fill level of the medium 12. This foreign radiation additionally received by the detector 18 leads to the fill level being indicated as less than is really present in the container. This is, however, undesired to the highest degree and dangerous.

FIG. 3 shows a sketch of the principles of a device 44 for evaluating and for error-blanking and -compensation according to the invention. This device 44 includes an input 46 for radiometric, measured values Lm_((t)) measured by the detector 18 and for the further, non-radiometrically measured process parameters P₁=P_(1(t)), P_(2=P) _(2(t)) and/or P₃=P_(3(t)) an evaluation and error compensation facility 48 in the real sense, as well as an output 50. A power supply naturally needed for the device 44 for the evaluation, error-blanking and -compensation is not shown here, for reasons of simplification and clarity.

When measuring operation is running, the evaluation and error compensation device 48 determines the change ΔLm=Lm_((ti))−Lm_((ti+1)) for two radiometric, measured values Lm_((ti)) and Lm_((ti+1)) registered by the detector at two, arbitrary per se, times t_(i) and t_(i+1), and tests by means of the predetermined and stored, calculative relationship ΔLm=f(ΔP₁,ΔP₂,ΔP₃) based on the changes ΔP₁, ΔP₂ or ΔP₃ of the process parameters registered in the same time interval, whether an interference of the radiometric measuring system 14 as illustrated in FIG. 2 is present or not. For the case that an interference is assumed, a value for issue for the process variable L_((t)) is determined in the evaluation and error compensation device 48, using the method described in more detail below for error-blanking and -compensation, and issued, together with a corresponding signal indicating an interference, for example an alarm signal, from output 50 onto the bus 22 (see, in this connection, FIG. 1). For the case that no interference is assumed, a value for issue for the process variable L_((t)) is determined in the evaluation and error compensation device 48, on the basis of the last measured radiometric, measured value Lm_((t)), and such value is issued from output 50, without alarm signal, onto the bus 22.

FIG. 4 illustrates in a flow diagram a preferred first embodiment of a method of the invention for evaluation, error-blanking and -compensation according to the invention. By way of example, a time interval from a running measuring operation is determined by two, arbitrary times t_(i) and t_(i+1), one following the other. Measured are the radiometric, measured value Lm_((t)) and a plurality of process parameters. In the example of an embodiment presented here, there are three process parameters P₁, P₂, P₃, which are preferably the process parameters shown in FIG. 1 and described in the description belonging thereto. For simplification, it is assumed that the calculative relationship ΔLm=f(ΔP₁,ΔP₂,ΔP₃), captured and determined in advance for different operating and process conditions, is already formulated for the further processing and stored in suitable form in a memory 60 of the device for error-blanking 44 (see, in this connection, also FIG. 3). Additionally, it is assumed that, at the time t_(i+1), at which the flow of the method displayed in FIG. 4 begins (anew), the measured values registered at the previous time t_(i) are likewise stored in suitable form in a memory 58 of the device 44 for error-blanking and are available for a further processing.

After the actually measured values Lm_((ti+1)), P_(1(ti+1)), P_(2(ti+1)), P_(3(ti+1)) are present in the evaluation electronics 20 (see, in this connection, also FIG. 1), a determination 62 of their changes ΔLm=Lm_((ti))−Lm_((ti+1)), ΔP₁=P_(1(ti))−P_(1(ti+1)), ΔP₂=P_(2(ti))−P_(2(ti+1)) und ΔP₃=P_(3(ti))−P_(3(ti+1)) with respect to the values Lm_((ti)), P_(1(ti)), P_(2(ti)), P_(3(ti)) registered at the preceding time t_(i) and read out of the memory 58, is executed. Subsequently, a comparison 64 is performed, in which the change of the radiometric, measured value ΔLm=Lm_((ti))−Lm_((ti+1)) is compared with the changes ΔP₁, ΔP₂, ΔP₃ of the process parameters registered in the same time interval and in which the calculative relationship ΔLm=f(ΔP₁,ΔP₂,ΔP₃) read from the memory 60 is used to test whether the actually measured change ΔLm=Lm_((ti))−Lm_((ti+1)) corresponds to a change given by the calculative relationship ΔLm=f(ΔP₁,ΔP₂,ΔP₃). The values of the process parameters P₁, P₂, P₃ measured for the time t₁₊₁ are loaded into the memory 58 and are available for the next measurement time ti+₂ for determining the changes ΔP₁, ΔP₂, ΔP₃ for the following time period t_(i+2) to t_(i+2).

In case the actually measured change ΔLm=Lm_((ti))−Lm_((ti+1)) of the radiometric, measured value Lm_((t)) corresponds to the changes ΔP₁, ΔP₂, ΔP₃ of the measured process parameters, it is assumed that no interference of the radiometric measuring system is present. The associated process variable L_((ti+1)) is determined from the last measured radiometric value Lm_((ti+1)) and issued onto the bus 22 connected with the process control system, without any additional signal indicating an interference. The radiometric, measured value Lm_((ti+1)) is loaded in the memory 58 and is available for the following measurement time t_(i+2) as a reference value for determining the change ΔLm for the time period t_(i+1), to t_(i+2).

In case the change ΔLm=Lm_((ti))−Lm_((ti+1)) of the radiometric, measured value Lm_((t)) does not correspond to the changes ΔP₁, ΔP₂, ΔP₃ of the non-radiometrically measured process parameters and to the calculative relationship ΔLm=f(ΔP₁,ΔP₂,ΔP₃), it is assumed that an interference of the radiometric measuring system is present, for example due to an incursion of foreign radiation from a nearby gammagraphic measuring system (see, in this connection, also FIG. 2. In this case, the known, calculative relationship is used to execute a calculation 66 ΔLm=f(ΔP₁,ΔP₂,ΔP₃) for the considered time period t_(i) to t_(i+1), which delivers a calculated measurement Lc_((t+1)) for the time t_(i+1). From a practical point of view, this can be done, for example, by using the calculative relationship ΔLm=f(ΔP₁,ΔP₂,ΔP₃) to determine a permissible change ΔLc_((ti,ti+1)) for the time period of interest, and then calculating a measurement Lc_((ti+1)) from Lc_((ti+1))=Lm_((ti))+ΔLc_((ti,ti+1)). The associated process variable L_((ti+1)) for the calculated radiometric measurement Lc_((ti+1)) is next calculated and issued onto the bus 22 connected with the process control system, together with an additional signal 68 indicating an interference. The calculated radiometric measurement Lc_((ti+1)) is loaded into the memory 58 and is available for the following measurement time t_(i+2) as a reference value for determining the change ΔLm=Lc_((ti+1))−Lm_((ti+2)) for a following time period t_(i+1), to t_(i+2).

For a following time t_(i+2) (and also for further times following thereon), the described method of the invention, as illustrated in FIG. 4, proceeds anew, with process parameters P_(1(ti+2)), P_(2(ti+2)), P_(3(ti+2)) registered at the new time taking the place of the process parameters P_(1(ti+1)), P_(2(ti+1)), P_(3(ti+1)) measured at the time t_(i+1). The time-indicating indices of the separate steps of the method are to be adjusted correspondingly. The above-described determination 62 of the changes ΔP₁, ΔP₂, ΔP₃ is correspondingly executed for the new time period of interest.

The determination 62 of the change ΔLm of the measured value of the process variable for the time period t₁₊₁ to t_(i+2) depends on whether an interference of the radiometric measuring system was previously ascertained, or not. If no interference is present, then the method proceeds as described above, for the new time period t_(i+1) to t_(i+2) being considered. For the case of an interference, the calculated radiometric measurement Lc_((ti+1)) then appears in place of the measured value Lm_((ti+1)), so that the change ΔLm of the radiometric, measured value in the time period from t_(i+1) to t_(i+2) is determined from ΔLm=Lc_((ti+1))−Lm_((ti+2)). Should the change ΔLm=Lc_((ti+1))−Lm_((ti+2)) for the time period t_(i+1) to t_(i+2) not correspond to the registered changes ΔP₁, ΔP₂, ΔP₃ for the new time period under consideration using the known, calculative relationship ΔLm=f(ΔP₁,ΔP₂,ΔP₃), then the radiometric measurement Lc_((ti+2)) for the time t_(i+2) is calculated with the help of the calculative relationship ΔLm=f(ΔP₁,ΔP₂,ΔP₃), along with the process variable {tilde over (L)}_((ti+2)) belonging thereto, which is then issued onto the output 50, together with the alarm signal 68.

In turn, for each newly considered time, the actually measured process parameters P_(1(ti+2)), P_(2(ti+2)), P_(3(ti+2)) and the value of the process variable, be it as the actually measured value Lm_((ti+2)) or as the calculated measurement Lc_((ti+2)), are stored and held ready in the memory 58 for further processing in subsequent measurements.

In the description to this point of the method presented in FIG. 4 for the error-blanking and -compensation of the invention, it has been assumed that, for the time period under consideration, changes of the process parameters P₁, P₂, P₃ appear also immediately in a change of the measured value Lm of the process variable for this time period. In the case, however, where a change of a process parameter P leads with delay by a possible delay time τ, which can also be τ=0, to a change ΔLm=Lm_((tj))−Lm_((tj+1)) of the radiometric, measured value Lm_((t)) then the method of the invention should use the change of the relevant process parameter, for example ΔP₁, for time period of t_(j−τ) to t_(j+1) _(−τ) for j=1, . . . , i, i+1, i+2 , . . . , thus for a time period corrected by the delay time τ, especially then, when the calculative relationship ΔLm=f(ΔP₁,ΔP₂,ΔP₃) depends on the particular time period under consideration. Thus, it can, by all means, happen, that, as in the case of the part of a conventional, industrial process plant illustrated in FIG. 1, changes of the process parameter ‘flow rate’, which are registered with the flow rate measuring device 26, appear delayed by a certain time as a change of the fill level measurement registered with the radiometric measuring system 14.

The method of the invention does not change when the delay time τ is taken into consideration, only the indices of the method illustrated in FIG. 4 are to be adjusted appropriately. One proceeds in the same way also when the different process parameters have different delay times.

FIG. 5 illustrates by flow diagram another preferred embodiment of the method of the invention for evaluation, error-blanking and -compensation according to the invention. This embodiment is similar to that described above with respect to FIG. 4 in many components and method steps. Also in FIG. 5, by way of example, a time interval from a running measurement operation is selected for two, arbitrary per se, points in time, t_(i) und t_(i+1), one following the other. As in the case of the method illustrated in FIG. 4, a determination 62 of particular changes ΔLm=Lm_((ti))−Lm_((ti+1)) and ΔP₁, ΔP₂, ΔP₃ takes place, using the measured values P_(1(ti)), P_(2(ti)), P_(3(ti)) and Lm_((ti)) (or Lc_((ti)) in the case of an interference) for the time t_(i), and the measured values P_(1(ti+1)), P_(2(ti+1)), P_(3(ti+1)) and Lm_((ti+1)) for the time t_(i+1). Likewise, also here it is tested, in a comparison 64, whether the change of the radiometric, measured value ΔLm=Lm_((ti))−Lm_((ti+1)) corresponds, or not, i.e. whether an interference is present, or not, to the changes ΔP₁, ΔP₂, ΔP₃, registered in the corresponding time interval, of the process parameters in terms of the calculative relationship ΔLm=f(ΔP₁, ΔP₂, ΔP₃) read out of the memory 60.

In case no interference is ascertained, then, as already explained above, the process variable L_((ti+1)) belonging to the radiometric, measured value Lm_((ti+1)) is formed and issued via the output 50 onto the bus 22.

In case, however, an interference is ascertained, then, departing from the method of FIG. 4, a review 70 is performed, where it is tested whether the change of the radiometric, measured value ΔLm is smaller in size than a deviation δ from the calculative relationship ΔLm=f(ΔP₁,ΔP₂,ΔP₃) predetermined previously as maximally allowable. If the change of the radiometric, measured value ΔLm is smaller than δ and it is thus still within a tolerable range of variance, the actually measured, radiometric, measured value Lm_((ti+1)) is considered to be acceptable. As described above, the process variable L_((ti+1)) belonging to the radiometric, measured value Lm_((ti+1)) is then formed and issued via the output 50 onto the bus 22.

In the case, where |ΔLm|≧δ and the change of the radiometric, measured value ΔLm consequently deviates in size from the calculative relationship ΔLm=f(ΔP₁,ΔP₂,ΔP₃) by more than is permitted, an interference is assumed. As described above, the known calculative relationship ΔLm=f(ΔP₁,ΔP₂,ΔP₃) is then used to perform a calculation 66 for the time period t_(i) to t_(i+1), under consideration, in order to deliver for the time t_(i+1) a calculated measurement Lc_((t+1)). In addition, the associated process variable {tilde over (L)}_((ti+1)) is determined and, together with an additional signal 68 indicating an interference, issued onto the bus 22 connected with the process control system.

Corresponding to the method of FIG. 4, in the method of FIG. 5 also, the particular value placed at the output 44, be it the calculated radiometric measurement Lc_((ti+1)) in the case of an interference or the actually-measured measured value Lm_((ti+1)), is loaded into the memory 58, where it is available for the following measuring time t_(i+2) as a reference value for determining the change ΔLm=Lc_((ti+1))−Lm_((ti+2)), or ΔLm=Lm_((ti+1))−Lm_((ti+2)), for a following time period t_(i+1), to t_(i+2).

In order to illustrate the simple manner in which the device of the invention can be integrated as a retrofit into existing, already-installed, process measurement equipment, FIG. 6 schematically depicts a conventional connecting to a process control system of a radiometric measuring system and other measuring instruments serving to register other, non-radiometrically registered process parameters. In doing so, the n already shown by way of example in FIG. 1 is assumed for purposes of simplification (see, in this connection, FIG. 1 and the corresponding description). As shown by FIG. 6, usually the evaluation electronics 20 of the radiometric measuring system 14, the flow measuring device 26 and the pressure measuring 28 are connected directly to the bus 22. The hookup itself is shown in FIG. 6 for a usual, so-called two-wire system, for example according to the so-called HART Communication Foundation.

If now, by way of example, the device 44 of the invention for error-blanking and -compensation shown in FIG. 3 is supplied in the form of a retrofit-kit 72 (see, in this connection, FIG. 3 and the description belonging thereto), such retrofit-kit 72 can, as shown in FIG. 7, be connected, in the case of the equipment for process measurements of FIG. 6, between the bus 22 and the measuring devices 14, respectively 20, 26 and 28. The retrofit-kit includes preferably a housing (not shown) and, accommodated therein, the same modules and components as possessed by the device of FIG. 3 for error-blanking and -compensation. The hookup of the inputs and outputs occurs, in the case of a two-wire system, according to the so-called HART Communication Foundation in the manner shown in FIG. 7. 

1-15. (canceled)
 16. A method for error-blanking and -compensation of interference signals originating from gammagraphy in a radiometric measuring system, wherein a process variable L_((t)) is determined by means of a radioactive radiator and a detector, which method comprises the steps of: determining the change ΔLm=Lm_((ti))−Lm_((ti+1)) for two, arbitrary per se, times t, and t_(i+1), between two radiometric, measured values Lm_((ti)) and Lm_((ti+1)) registered by the detector at these times and, by means of a predetermined, calculative relationship ΔLm =f(ΔP₁), comparing said change with a change ΔP₁=P_(1(ti−τ))−P_(1(ti+1−τ)) of a first, non-radiometrically measured process parameter, registered in the corresponding time interval; assuming that no interference of the radiometric measuring system is present in case the change ΔLm =Lm_((ti))−Lm_((ti+1)) of the radiometric, measured value Lm_((t)) corresponds to a previous change ΔP₁=P_(1(ti−τ))−P_(1(ti+1−τ)) of the first, non-radiometrically measured process parameter in the corresponding time interval and to the calculative relationship ΔLm=f(ΔP₁), wherein, from the last-measured, radiometric, measured value Lm_((ti+1)), the associated process variable L_((ti+1)) is determined and issued onto a bus connected with a process control system, without an additional signal indicating an interference; and assuming that an interference of the radiometric system is present in case the change ΔLm=Lm_((ti))−Lm_((ti+1)) of the radiometric, measured value Lm_((t)) does not correspond to a previous change ΔP₁=P_(1(ti−τ)−P) _(1(ti+1−τ)) of the first, non-radiometrically measured process parameter P₁=P_(1(t−τ)) in the corresponding time interval and to the calculative relationship ΔLm=f(ΔP₁), wherein: based on the previous change ΔP₁=P_(1(ti−τ))−P_(1(ti+1−τ)) of the first process parameter P₁, a radiometric measurement Lc_((t+1)) is calculated, by means of the recorded, calculative relationship ΔLm=f(ΔP₁), for the time t_(i+1); from the calculated, radiometric measurement Lc_((ti+1)), the associated process variable {tilde over (L)}_((ti+1)) is determined and issued onto the bus connected with the process control system, together with an additional, interference-indicating signal; and in a subsequent recording, at a time t₁₊₂, of the change ΔP₁=P_(1(ti+1−τ))−P_(1(ti+2−τ)) of the first, non-radiometrically measured, process parameter and of the measuring of the radiometric, measured value Lm_((ti+2)), the latter is used together with the calculated radiometric measurement Lc_((ti+1)) to determine the change ΔLm=Lc_((ti+1))−Lm_((ti+2)) and this is referenced for determining whether an interference of the radiometric measuring system is still present.
 17. The method as claimed in claimed in claim 16, wherein the following steps are performed before start-up of the radiometric measuring system: identifying, for a measured value Lm_((t)) measured by the detector of the radiometric measuring system, at least one, non-radiometrically measured and likewise monitored, first process parameter P₁=P_(1(t−τ)), whose change ΔP₁=P_(1(tj−τ))−P_(1(tj+1−τ)) leads, for arbitrary times t_(j−τ) and t_(j+1) _(−τ) , with delay by a possible delay time τ, which can even be τ=0, to a change ΔLm=Lm_((tj))−Lm_((tj+1)) of the radiometric, measured value Lm_((t)); and formulating and storing a calculative relationship ΔLm=f(ΔP₁) from changes ΔLm of the radiometric, measured value Lm_((t)) determined at different operating and process conditions and at different times t_(i) and resulting from changes ΔP₁ of the non-radiometrically measured, first process parameter.
 18. The method as claimed in claim 16, wherein: prior to issue of the signal indicating the interference of the radiometric measuring system, it is ascertained whether the change ΔLm of the radiometric, measured value is smaller in size than a change δ previously predetermined as maximally allowable from the calculative relationship ΔLm=f(ΔP₁); and only in the case where |ΔLm|≧δ a is the signal indicating the interference of the radiometric measurement signal issued onto the bus.
 19. The method as claimed in claim 16, wherein: the measured value Lm_((t)) measured by the detector of the radiometric measuring system can be a measure for a fill level of a medium in a container, a density of such a medium in a container, or an interface of at least two phases of one or more media in a container or pipe.
 20. The method as claimed in claim 19, wherein: the first, non-radiometrically measured, process parameter P₁ is one of: a pressure in the interior of the container or in a pipe connected with the interior of the container, a temperature in the interior of the container or in a pipe connected with the interior of the container, and a flow rate of a medium in a pipe connected with the interior of the container.
 21. The method as claimed in claim 20, wherein: a plurality of process parameters P_(k) (k=1, 2, . . . ) are monitored, whose change ΔP_(k)=P_(k(tj−τk))−P_(k(tj+1−τk)) for arbitrary times t_(j−τk) and t_(j+1−τk) leads, delayed by a possible delay time τk, which can also be τk=0, to a change ΔLm=Lm_((tj))−Lm_((tj+1)) of the radiometric, measured value Lm_((t)); on the basis of measurements for different operational and process conditions, a calculative representation of the dependence of the change of the radiometric, measured value Lm_((t)) on a change of each separate process parameter, or a plurality of the process parameters, P_(k) is formulated to ΔLm=f(ΔP₁,ΔP₂, . . . ); and during operation, it is examined by means of the calculatively recorded relationship ΔLm=f(ΔP₁,ΔP₂, . . . ), whether an interference of the radiometric measuring system is present.
 22. A device for error-blanking and -compensation of gammagraphy-caused interference signals in a radiometric measuring system with a radioactive radiator and a detector, which device includes: an input for measured values Lm_((t)) measured by the detector for a process variable L_((t)), an input for at least one non-radiometrically measured and likewise monitored, first process parameter P₁=P_(1(t−τ)) whose change leads to a change ΔLm=Lm_((tj))−Lm_((tj+1)) of the radiometric, measured value Lm_((t)) delayed by a possible delay time τk, which can also be τk−0; an output, which is connected with a process control system, and an evaluation and error compensation facility, which: determines during operation the change ΔLm=Lm_((ti))−Lm_((ti+1)) of the radiometric, measured values Lm_((ti)) und Lm_((ti+1)) registered by the detector at two, arbitrary per se, times t_(i) and t_(i+1) following one after the other, and, by means of the calculative relationship ΔLm=f(ΔP₁), compares such with a change ΔP₁=P_(1(ti−τ))−P_(1(ti+1−τ)) of the first, non-radiometrically measured process parameter P₁=P_(1(t−τ)); in case the change ΔLm=Lm_((ti))−Lm_((ti+1)) of the radiometric, measured value Lm_((t)) corresponds to a previous change ΔP₁=P_(1(ti−τ)−P) _(1(ti+1−τ)) of the first, non-radiometrically measured process parameter in the corresponding time interval and to a predetermined, calculative relationship ΔLm=f(ΔP₁), determines the associated process variable L_((ti+1)) from the last, measured, radiometric, measured value Lm_((ti+1)) and issues this variable to the output and onto a bus connected with a process control system, without an additional signal indicating an interference; and in case the change ΔLm=Lm_((ti))−Lm_((ti+1)) of the radiometric, measured value Lm_((t)) does not correspond to a previous change ΔP₁=P_(1(ti−τ))−P_(1(ti+1−τ)) of the first, non-radiometrically measured process parameter in the corresponding time interval and to a predetermined, calculative relationship ΔLm=f(ΔP₁), recognizes an interference of the radiometric measuring system, wherein: based on the previous change ΔP₁=P_(1(ti−τ))−P_(1(ti+1−τ)) of the first process parameter P₁, a radiometric measurement Lc_((t+1)) is calculated by means of the recorded, calculative relationship ΔLm=f(ΔP₁) for the time t_(t+1); the associated process variable {tilde over (L)}_((ti+1)) is determined from the calculated radiometric measurement Lc_((ti+1)) and this variable is issued, with an additional signal indicating the interference, onto the output and onto the bus connected with the process control system; and in a subsequent, at a time t_(i+2), registering of the change ΔP₁=P_(1(ti+1−τ))−P_(1(ti+2−τ)) of the first, non-radiometrically measured process parameter and the measuring of the radiometric, measured value Lm_((ti+2)), the change ΔLm=Lc_((ti+1))−Lm_((ti+2)) is determined from this radiometric, measured value and the calculated radiometric measurement Lc_((ti+1)), in order to ascertain whether an interference of the radiometric measuring system is still present.
 23. The device as claimed in claim 22, wherein: before issue of the signal indicating the interference of the radiometric measuring system, it is examined, whether the change ΔLm of the radiometric, measured value is smaller than a change δ=|ΔLm_(max)| previously determined as maximally allowable; and the signal indicating the interference of the radiometric measuring signal is issued onto the bus only in the case, where ΔLm≧δ.
 24. The device as claimed in claim 22, wherein: the measured value Lm_((t)) measured by the detector of the radiometric measuring system can be a measure for a fill level of a medium in a container, a density of such a medium in a container, or an interface of at least two phases of one or more media in a container or pipe.
 25. The device as claimed in claim 24, wherein: the first, non-radiometrically measured, process parameter P₁ is one of: a pressure in the interior of the container or in a pipe connected with the interior of the container, a temperature in the interior of the container or in a pipe connected with the interior of the container, and a flow rate of a medium in a medium in a pipe connected with the interior of the container.
 26. The device as claimed in claim 24, onto whose input a plurality of process parameters P_(k) (k=1, 2, . . . ) are issued, whose change ΔP_(k)=P_(k(tj−τk))−P_(k(tj+1−τk)) for arbitrary times t_(j−τk) and t_(j+1−τk) leads, delayed by a possible delay time τk, which can also be τk=0, to a change ΔLm=Lm_((tj))−Lm_((tj+1)) of the radiometric, measured value Lm_((t)); wherein: during operation of the evaluation and error-compensation facility it is examined by means of a predetermined, calculatively recorded relationship ΔLm=f(ΔP₁,ΔP₂, . . . ), whether an interference of the radiometric measuring system is present.
 27. The device as claimed in claim 22, wherein: the device is part of an evaluation electronics assigned to the radiometric measuring system.
 28. The device as claimed in claim 22, further including: a housing which is independent of the detector of the radiometric measuring system, in which the device is accommodated.
 29. The device as claimed in claim 22, wherein: the device is placed as a retrofit kit between the measuring system and the process control system of an already installed radiometric measuring system.
 30. The device as claimed in claim 22, wherein: the calculative relationship ΔLm=f(ΔP₁,ΔP₂, . . . ) for representing the dependence of the change of the radiometric, measured value Lm_((t)) on a change of each or a plurality of the non-radiometrically-won process parameters P_(k) is obtained on the basis of measurements at various operational and process conditions. 